Zimbabwe advances ICT manufacturing and startup financing talks at World Governments Summit 2026
Date: 2026-02-09
By: Nana Appiah Acquaye
Zimbabwe
has advanced discussions on key digital and industrial transformation
initiatives at the World Governments Summit (WGS) 2026 held in Dubai, as part
of engagements aligned with the country’s National Development Strategy.
Minister
of Information and Communication Technology, Postal and Courier Services and
Member of Parliament for Chikomba West, Tatenda Mavetera, represented the
Government of Zimbabwe in high-level discussions focused on strengthening the
country’s digital economy and innovation ecosystem.
On
the margins of the summit, President H.E. Dr. Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa met
with Mr. Prateek Suri, Chief Executive Officer of the Maser Group, in a meeting
attended by the ICT Minister. The discussions centred on two strategic
initiatives aimed at accelerating Zimbabwe’s technological and economic
development.
The
first initiative focused on establishing original equipment manufacturer (OEM)
capabilities in Zimbabwe for the local production of electronic equipment. The
proposal is intended to support import substitution, create employment
opportunities, and strengthen the country’s technological sovereignty.
The
second area of engagement explored venture capital commitments to support
Zimbabwe’s high-potential ICT startups. The proposed funding mechanism is
expected to stimulate innovation, support enterprise growth, and position
Zimbabwe as a competitive startup hub within the region.
The
Government expressed appreciation to the organisers of the World Governments
Summit, partners in the United Arab Emirates, and private sector stakeholders,
including the Maser Group, for their engagement and interest in Zimbabwe’s
digital and industrial transformation agenda.
